Mini's New SUV Concept

Update 1/21/10: If you are looking for photos and info on the upcoming Mini Cooper Countryman crossover you can find it here. This post is about the original concept that became the Countryman.

The much-rumored Mini SUV is here. Dubbed the Mini Crossover Concept, this 4x4 vehicle is the biggest Mini yet, measuring more than 4 meters long (that’s more than 156 inches for those of us not on the metric system). That’s just slightly longer than the new Mini Cooper Clubman, but still nearly 20 inches shorter than your standard Honda Civic sedan.

The biggest news — besides it being bigger — is that the Crossover concept will sport four-wheel drive, a first for Mini and arguably a major selling point for Snowbelt car shoppers. While the concept shows off fanciful seating configurations — we expect a standard rear bench instead of single seats — and 3-D touch displays, this is not just a pie-in-the-sky exercise. Mini will build a four- or all-wheel-drive crossover, and the real thing could be on the auto show circuit in 2009.

No powertrains were announced, but because it’s not much bigger than a typical Clubman we’d expect it to carry over the same efficient yet peppy engines from the Cooper lineup. The concept does not, however, sport the Cooper name; it’s just Mini Crossover Concept, which may be an attempt to not completely offend Cooper traditionalists with what could be dubbed an SUV. Many more photos below.

It's cute in proportion, but I'm not sure how practical it will be and also, Minis are pricey in general. I would still take the Infiniti EX over this concept; however, it's way too early to determine that. You never know. It might just impress me, not that it isn't impressive in it's current state.

I'm pretty sure an EX is at least 2 or 3 price and size brackets above this. Obviously it'll be more expensive than size competitors like the Sportage, but it should be cheaper than premium rivals like the LR2. I'm guessing it's biggest market rivals will be the Tiguan perhaps? I dunno - there aren't many small, premium SUV rivals out there. Even the smallest are MUCH larger/more expensive than this will be.

Well if a base Clubman starts at $19,950 then the SUV would have to be $2K more for the AWD/4wd and let's just throw in another 2K for being an SUV with a moving roof or whatever.
So you're looking at $24-$25K. Or basically CR-V, CX-7 territory not EX35 LR2 territory. Neither the EX35 nor LR2 is selling very well either.

If it gets 37 mpg hwy like the clubman it'll sell like hotcakes just like the Clubman.

Even if get 30mpg it would still be better than it competitors. I like it. Sure a lot of what we see here will not make it to production. But I like it. It reminds me of a cross between the FX and a Rav4.

It could do nicely without some of the Flash Gordon detailing, but otherwise this would make a great TOAD. Light, four seats, good mileage, not too expensive, and room for a cooler and some groceries. What a perfect combination to tow behind a motor home.

It could do nicely without some of the Flash Gordon detailing, but otherwise this would make a great TOAD. Light, four seats, good mileage, not too expensive, and room for a cooler and some groceries. What a perfect combination to tow behind a motor home.

It could do nicely without some of the Flash Gordon detailing, but otherwise this would make a great TOAD. Light, four seats, good mileage, not too expensive, and room for a cooler and some groceries. What a perfect combination to tow behind a motor home.

over all it actually looks good. i just dont understand why they have a conventional door on the passenger side, but a slider on the drivers. The car actually reminds me of the (JDM) 1900's Mitsubishi RVR. I also really like how the half the rear door swings to the side of the car, leaving more room to get around it, as we all know they open towards the sidewalk in the U.S. making us walk around them. (which really flusters me with the upcoming Nissan Cube b/c if they don't switch the way the rear door swings, there will be a huge pillar in the corner that should be behind the Driver, not the passenger.)

I love the looks of the new Mini Crossover. Especially the doors, sliding sun roof and the added room. Hope you sit up a little higher like a SUV. Would be perfect if I could afford it and it ran on regular gas. Thanks for thinking of the Mini & SUV lovers. Hope it makes it out real soon. Would love to be on a mailing list for updates on the Crossover.
Toledo Carol

Twenty five years ago Chrysler came out with a four cylinder minivan and change automotive history.
Why not a four cylinder mini van again the same size or even a bit smaller this time? And not a 4500 pound gas hog.

I absolutely LOVE IT! I want one!! I've been waiting for an all wheel drive mini cooper, but this will do just as well. Should seriosely consider an all wheel drive mini coooper. Then rally it, compare it to the Subaru. There awsome cars as well, but spendy.

I hope they change the front. Looks like a person who drank to much coffee and then freaked out. Headlight = crazy eyes and grill = gaping mouth of fear. I see this canablizing the wagons sales. You don't really need to of the same vehicles.

I love the idea of a Mini SUV. There are just a couple of things I don't like. The back seats should have something in between them like this. Meaning you can't slide over! LOL and the truck should open normally like the mini (upward). Other than that, i love the car!!

I love the idea of a Mini SUV. There are just a couple of things I don't like. The back seats shouldn't have something in between them like this. Meaning you can't slide over! LOL and the truck should open normally like the mini (upward). Other than that, i love the car!!

I absolutely love the concept, especially if it gets good gas mileage. I'm jealous of my wife's Clubman but we also need a second, slightly larger vehicle like most families. This car fits our needs! I now drive an Infiniti FX35, almost 5 years old, which has been a great car but gets terrible gas mileage and runs on premium. Can't wait for it to come out.

If it's not too late, please no sliding door and swing gate at the back. I had a 97 rav4 and it is not pleasant to hear a bouncing gate. Rear gate will not allow long load from inside. May I suggest a power operating glass window?

I have a. Toyota Rav 4 2001 and have loved it! I love the swing gate at back; for one thing, it doesn't dump water on you in the rain. But I do agree that in countries where we drive on the right it would be better if it opened toward the sidewalk.
We have admired the Mini Cooper for years but I'd NEVER buy a car I had to crawl down into, and need a hand to help get back up out of. I hate riding in low cars too; I feel like my butt is dragging on the road, and I can't see what's happening further up the road. Our Rav 4 is the perfect height to sit, so I wonder what height this SUV sits. I love it! I like the bunny rabbit shape of my Rav 4 better, and I wish there was no division down the middle of the backseat -- we sometimes squeeze a 5th person in -- but I really like the countryman's huge sunroof, the slide-open door, and great gas mileage (I'm assuming), 4wheel drive without loosing zippyness, small size without being too short, and, presumably, the use of features that make the Mini such a Safe car. I will look into getting one of these when they come out, unless they are too expensive.

Miss my Landrover Discovery but now enjoy our 2008 Minicooper Turbo
6 speed. I wonder if I can go off-roading in this new SUV?

Post a Comment

Please remember a few rules before posting comments:

If you don't want people to see your email address, simply type in the URL of your favorite website or leave the field empty.

Do not mention specific car dealers by name. Feel free to mention your city, state and brand.

Try to be civil to your fellow blog readers. This blog is not a fan or enthusiast forum, it is meant to help people during the car-buying process and during the time between purchases, so shoppers can keep a pulse on the market.

Stay on topic. We want to hear your opinions and thoughts, but please only comment about the specified topic in the blog post.